15 Reasons to Visit Pittsburgh in August – Summer Events and More

Steelers Training Camp

In August we start the final countdown to the return of Steelers season! While the home opener doesn't occur until September, you can get your Pittsburgh Steelers fix by heading over to Acrisure Stadium (formerly Heinz Field) to take in training camp!

The schedule features many August practices all the way through the 18th of the month, so you have many opportunities to get a sneak peek at the team before football season begins! Note that while the event is free, guests in 2022 must register in advance.

PedalPGH

PedalPGH is Pittsburgh's premier biking event, with proceeds going to benefit local organization BikePGH.

This annual bike ride around the city features four unique routes that change every year of approximately 7, 25, 40, and 62 miles in length. Routes typically cover surface streets as opposed to existing Pittsburgh bike trails, which presents a fun opportunity to bike somewhere new in the city (but note bikers share the streets with traffic here). During the event hours, support stations with water, snacks, and more are also provided (which is crucial if it ends up being an exceptionally hot August day!).

While anyone can participate as the routes are marked on streetlights and stop signs, only those who sign up in advance with a paid ticket will have the routes sent to them ahead of time. In 2022, PedalPGH takes place on August 28th, but the route markers are generally left up for several days for those who want to ride outside the official window.

Carrie Furnaces

Throughout this guide we recommend many museums where you can go to learn about Pittsburgh's rich history. But sometimes we think that going to a museum is not enough- you need to get out there and see the history first hand.

At the Carrie Furnaces in Rankin, you can do just that on their weekend tour of some of the last remaining blast furnaces in the city (now maintained as a historical site by the Rivers of Steel Heritage foundation).

Your impression of Pittsburgh steel will never be the same after this one! (Reservations required)

After visiting the Carrie Furnaces, head on over to Homestead to check out the site of the Battle of Homestead and grab a meal at Blue Dust. Or if you'd rather stick around in Braddock, head to Brew Gentlemen for a beer.

Seven Springs Wine Festival

Fancy a glass of wine? Or how about several glasses of wine? Or how about several glasses of wine and the gorgeous scenery of the Laurel Highlands as a backdrop? This is what you'll get at Seven Springs annual Wine Festival which features an array of wine samples from PA-based wineries!

In 2022, the Wine Festival will take place from August 26th to 28th.

Garfield First Fridays

Garfield is quickly becoming the place to be for local artists, and the First Fridays event (known as Unblurred) is a great time to get out to this underappreciated neighborhood to see the latest products of many talented artists.

Out of all of the First Friday events that go on in the city, this is one of our favorites.

While exploring the night market, be sure to try a few awesome Pittsburgh food trucks!

Enjoy a Riverhounds Game

Pittsburgh sports goes far beyond baseball, hockey, and football. So this August, why not get tickets to check out a Riverhounds soccer game at Highmark Stadium in Station Square!

One of the great things about this particular stadium is that it is quite small, so no matter where you sit you'll have a pretty stellar view of the action. Just be sure to plan for some sun, as this one has limited shade options for guests!

In 2022, the Riverhounds play at home on August 6th and 27th.

Gus & Yia Yia's

Gus & Yia Yia's is not only one of Pittsburgh's oldest businesses, it is one of the most unique.

This shaved ice cart on the North Side has been doing it the old fashioned way since the 1930s (founded by Gus's father). One giant brick of ice, a rudimentary shaving implement, upper body strength, and syrup are the ingredients, and on a hot summer day the line for this one can be quite long but is well worth the wait!

While in the North Side, be sure to walk around Lake Elizabeth or take a stroll along the North Shore River Trail!

Roslyn Place

Did you know that Pittsburgh is home to a street made entirely out of wood?

Roslyn Place in Shadyside may be small, but it is one of the most historically significant as it is one of the last remaining wood streets in the USA.

You certainly drive by this one all the time, so on this week be sure to make a stop to check it out!

Looking for more in Shadyside? Check out Noodlehead, Casbah, or Millie's Ice Cream!

Peach Picking at Simmon's Farm

Come mid-August, peach season is in full swing and in Pittsburgh there is no farm better suited for peach picking than Simmon's Farm in McMurray, PA.

This is one of the most beautiful farms you'll visit in the region, and their abundance of peach trees will ensure you do not leave disappointed. Just be careful as bees love the peaches that fall to the ground!

On your way back in to Pittsburgh, grab a coffee at Orbis Caffee or a few slices of pizza at Beto's.

VegFest

Love vegan food and other vegan-forward businesses? You'll definitely want to head to the North Side on August 27th, 2022, for the annual VegFest! This one always features several dozen restaurants and vendors sharing the love for all things vegan food.

Just be sure to go early as this one can get quite busy!

Barrel & Flow Fest

Barrel & Flow Fest (formerly Fresh Fest) returns in 2022 for another celebration of black brewers and local artists. This beer festival is always one of the best of the year for bringing in many unique breweries into the city, beer collaborations you wont find anywhere else, great music, food, and more. A staple for us every year!

In 2022, Barrel & Flow Fest takes place on August 13th in the Strip District.

Cinema in the Park

Get out and enjoy the long hot summer nights with Cinema in the Park– a weekly movie series at ten different Pittsburgh parks including Grandview Park (pictured), the West End Overlook, Riverview Park, and more! Be sure to check out the movie schedules at the previous link to find where the best movies are playing at any given week.

Maple Bottom Farm Sunflower Maze

While many sunflower fields near Pittsburgh are typically only open during a limited period in July, some farms have been a bit more ambitious and have planted multiple fields at various stages such that they can have sunflowers throughout the summer!

One such farm is Maple Bottom Farm in Dawson, PA, in the Laurel Highlands and in 2022 they planted five sunflower fields to try and have flowers from mid-July through Labor Day! Even better? This one cuts a (rather easy) maze path within the sunflower fields so you can really get surrounded by these gorgeous flowers on all sides.

Looking for a snack or a beverage on your way back from the farm? Be sure to stop at Greendance Winery and Sand Hill Berries (both are in the same location) on your way back to the turnpike. Hard to beat a sample of wine and the berry pies here!

Squirrel Hill Night Market

Pittsburgh loves its farmer's markets, this is true, but did you know that Squirrel Hill is host to a new night market that occurs several times throughout the summer?

Murray Avenue closes down for this one, and food trucks, vendors, artisans, and musicians fill the streets for an event that is as much of a block party as it is a market. But be careful to check the schedule- this one only happens a few times per summer!

In 2022, the August edition of the Squirrel Hill Night Market will take place on August 27th.

Hartwood Acres Concert Series

We absolutely love Hartwood Acres as the mansion on site is one of the most beautiful in the city and the hiking trails can keep you busy over the course of many visits.

On Sundays an added feature comes out as the on-site amphitheater puts on live music performances, perfect for those who want to come out and make a day of it! The schedule for 2022 can be found here.